The Storyteller's Daughter

Publisher's Summary

Born in Britain, Saira Shah was inspired by her father's dazzling stories to rediscover the now lost life their forebears knew for 900 years within sight of orchards, snow-topped mountains, and the minarets of Kabul. This is Saira, part sophisticated and sensitive Western liberal, part fearless (even fierce) life-gulping Afghan, falling in love with her ancestral myth, chasing Afghanistan. Saira, at 21, becoming a correspondent at the front during the war between the Soviets and the Afghan resistance. Then Saira, self-imprisoned in a burqa, risking her life to film "Beneath the Veil", her acclaimed record of the devastation of women's lives by the Taliban. Saira discovering her extended family, discovering a world of gorgeous family ritual, of community, of male primacy, of arranged marriages, finding at last the (now war-ravaged) family seat, discovering at last what she wants and what she rejects of her compelling heritage.

Sorry for the Short Delay

Unfortunately, that depends on our systems, and they're keeping it to themselves. It could take a few minutes, but there's a chance it will be longer. We recommend that you check back with us in a few hours, when your title should be available for download in My Library. We appreciate your patience, and we apologise for the inconvenience.

See More Like This

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful

A personal view of Afghanistan

I bought this to give me a basic history of Afghanistan and introduction to the culture. Shah's personal connection to Afghanistan (through her ancestry) gave her story colour and gave me a sense of the country. Shah doesn't pretent to give a neutral view of the country.

The book takes you from the Soviet occupation up to the September 11th terrorist attack on the twin towers.

The abridging wasn't great. The story doesn't quite hang together and you have a strong feeling that you have been denied important elements to the story.